United have shown tentative interest in Alaba, 24 but it is understood the boyhood Arsenal fan would rather relocate to London, discounting a reunion with his former Bayern coach Pep Guardiola at City.

Austria international Alaba spoke effusively about Arsene Wenger's side again during a recent interview.

"Games against Arsenal are always beautiful because in my childhood they were my favourite team!" he told Bild.

"Playing in London is also fantastic - almost as good as the Allianz Arena."

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Southampton centre-back Virgil van Dijk is another player whose chances of a mid-season transfer to United are remote. The Saints want £40million for the 25-year-old, who is also interesting Liverpool.

Van Dijk signed a six-year contract with Southampton earlier this year and his improved performances, as well as the club's ability to attain extravagant fees for their prized players, has seen his valuation soar to over three times the £13m Southampton paid Celtic for Van Dijk last year.

Former United manager Louis van Gaal made an audacious bid to sign Bayern forward Thomas Muller and the only players United have bought from the five-times European Cup winners are Bastian Schweinsteiger and Owen Hargreaves.